Much of the business advice from male business gurus doesn't quite cut it for women entrepreneurs. These gurus haven't figured out how they advice is different for women. Plus, they've left out some parts all together!
I've come to this conclusion after being a Corporate America drop out and starting my own business. I realized there was much to learn about building a business so started to seek out the knowledge and understanding I needed through books, seminars, teleseminars, and networking.
Over time what I observed is that the conversations I was having with women entrepreneurs were often different than conversations I had with men. For example, I could be at a seminar and during the break chat with another woman while getting coffee. We often shared what the speaker said what it meant to us, which usually included something that the presenter didn't even bring up.
What I started to realize is that though much of the information was good and I used it, I had to usually put it through my female filter, I had to do some translating so I could apply it. I also found myself with some questions that I had to answer myself. I started to realize why. Most of these resources were presented by men. Well intended men, but men none the less.
Very simply, by default built into their advice was a male perspective, which has some merit. But, it's not the whole picture. Their advice didn't address a woman's perspective or talents. It didn't address my "world" as a woman. But, then how could it? Men and women don't seem to approach anything the same, so why should it be different in business?
It's not! A big reason why I started the Bodacious Women's Club is because I wanted to address women entrepreneurs' needs that weren't being met. I wanted to shortcut the "translation" and fill in the gaps that were missing.
It all starts with awareness. So, I've created a list of seven critical things male business gurus don't tell you, but every woman wants to know. Keep these in mind whenever you're seeking out knowledge or advice for your business that comes from any man. You may be surprised what you discover!
1. Most business guru's miss how women experience life so differently than men. Because of our brain wiring, women experience life in a much more intuitive, emotional, and integrated way. Men, on the other hand, pretty much think about one thing at a time and usually do little to relate one thing to another.
2. Most women define success differently than men. Success for most women is heavily tied to emotional and intrinsic fulfillment that comes from multiple areas of life. Women aren't satisfied with sacrificing family or loved ones to have business success. We want it all and they want experts to help us get it all. Most men define success in terms of money, status, and power.
3. Most business gurus don't address the stress most women experience. Because of all the roles most women play, being able to manage stress effectively is key to having a successful business and life. Men typically juggle fewer roles and don't stress over someone's needs not being met.
4. Most business gurus don't address the impact of significant relationships in a woman's life that directly affect her business success and how to keep them in good health. Because women experience life in a more integrated way, when a significant relationship like with a spouse or parent, is out of kilter, everything else is affected, including her business.
5. Most business gurus don't say that taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of a client. Most women struggle with doing good things for themselves and their business suffers as a result.
6. Most business gurus don't delve into how women can use their natural strengths - like relationship skills - as a huge competitive advantage for growing their business.
7. Most business gurus don't address the "good girl" tendencies most women have from their upbringings that hold them back from making their business wildly successful. A great example of this is how women hold themselves back from proactively selling themselves or their product or service.
Copyright 2006 Mary Foley
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